Chelsea Player News: Ramires Signs Five-Year Contract

Chelsea's Ramires challenges Birmingham's Redmond during their FA Cup soccer match at Stamford Bridge in London

Brazilian midfielder Ramires has signed a new five-year contract with Chelsea, who have just sacked their 34-year-old Portuguese manager Andre Villas-Boas, following the Blues' 1-0 loss to West Brom on 3 March.

"I am very happy with my new contract. I am very happy with the support I have playing for this club so I want to say thank you to Chelsea," a Blues' official quoted Ramires as saying.

There is finally something for the Blues' fans to celebrate following Chelsea's poor run this season, in almost all major competitions, including the Premier League and the Champions League.

Ramires, who transferred to Chelsea from Benfica for approximately £20m in the 2010/2011 season, has made 71 appearances for the Blues (in all competitions) and has scored 10 goals.

Chelsea's next fixture is against Birmingham City in the replay of a Fifth Round FA Cup fixture, on Tuesday.